Loading Content...
Demographic and Racial Shifts in Oakland's Pill Hill Neighborhood
CATEGORY
Demographics
DATA
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Loading Content...
Demographics
Population
Median Income
Racial Distributions
Pill Hill, a neighborhood in Oakland, California, currently presents a profile of Moderate Diversity with a Black plurality. As of 2022, the neighborhood's racial composition shows no single group exceeding 40%, with Black residents comprising the largest share at 35%. The area has experienced significant economic growth, with median income increasing from $33,127 in 2013 to $82,013 in 2022. Pill Hill is known for its concentration of medical facilities.
Over the past decade, Pill Hill has transitioned from a Black Majority community to one of Moderate Diversity. In 2013, the neighborhood had a Black Majority with 37% Black residents. By 2022, this shifted to a Black Plurality (35%), with increased representation from other racial groups. The White population increased from 21% in 2013 to 31% in 2022. The Asian population decreased from 22% in 2013 to 14% in 2022. The Hispanic population remained relatively stable at 10-12% throughout the decade.
The neighborhood has seen an increase in residents identifying as two or more races, growing from 2% in 2013 to 9% in 2022. The demographic shifts in Pill Hill correlate with substantial economic changes. The median income increased from $33,127 in 2013 to $82,013 in 2022, representing a growth of nearly 148%. The population grew from 2,184 in 2013 to 2,508 in 2022.
The trends observed in Pill Hill reflect broader patterns of gentrification and diversification seen in many urban areas across the United States. The rapid increase in median income, coupled with demographic shifts, is characteristic of neighborhoods undergoing significant socioeconomic changes. The transition from a Black Majority to a more diverse community with a growing White population is similar to changes seen in other historically Black neighborhoods in major cities.
The economic growth in Pill Hill outpaces national trends. While the U.S. median household income grew by about 27% from 2013 to 2022, Pill Hill's growth of 148% is exceptional. This could be attributed to its position as a medical hub, attracting high-earning professionals.
Pill Hill exemplifies a neighborhood in transition, moving from a predominantly Black community to one of Moderate Diversity with improving economic prospects. This change enhances the area's economic vitality while raising questions about maintaining affordability and cultural heritage for long-term residents.
